Permits & timeslots.
Since 2022 Saudi Arabia has enforced permits (tasreeh) for Hajj, prayer at Masjid al-Haram during peak periods, and Rawdah access in Madinah. Most pilgrims don't know which apply to them.
A Hajj tasreeh is required by Saudi law.
Performing Hajj without a permit has resulted in arrest, deportation, and a 10-year ban — including for pilgrims who completed all the rites. This is enforced strictly since the 2024 crackdown. The deaths during the 2024 heatwave were heavily concentrated among unpermitted pilgrims who could not access cooled buses or air-conditioned tents.
You get a tasreeh through your Hajj group / agency in your country (the Hajj quota is allocated by nationality). If you're already in Saudi Arabia on a tourist or visit visa, you cannot legally perform Hajj — even if you live there. Domestic permits are issued only to citizens, residents, and registered Hajj operators.
What it does
Nusuk (formerly Eatmarna) is the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's official app. It is the only sanctioned channel for:
- Umrah permit booking (for residents and visit-visa holders during Ramadan and Hajj season — required for entry to Masjid al-Haram during those windows).
- Rawdah access slots at Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah.
- Stoning of the jamarat timeslots during the days of Tashriq.
- Prayer slots at Masjid al-Haram during peak Ramadan nights.
Install from the App Store / Play Store before you arrive. Set up your account with your passport / iqama and link family members under one main account so one person can book for the group.
Order of operations
When Nusuk is required vs. optional
Outside Ramadan and Hajj season: no Umrah permit needed. Walk into Masjid al-Haram during normal hours; perform tawaaf and sa'i.
During Ramadan (especially last 10 nights): entry to Masjid al-Haram requires a permit booked through Nusuk. Slots open ~10 days before the date. Iftar inside the Haram requires a separate permit.
During Hajj season (1–13 Dhul-Hijjah): Umrah for non-Hajj pilgrims is restricted; many gates are closed to non-permitted visitors. The Saudi authorities issue an annual schedule announcing the cutoff date for Umrah visa entry.
Appointment-only since 2022
The Rawdah area in Masjid al-Nabawi (between the Prophet's ﷺ pulpit and his chamber) is now appointment-only. Book via Nusuk before you arrive in Madinah — slots fill 2–7 days in advance during peak season.
Each appointment is approximately 10–20 minutes. Pray two raka'ahs, make dua, step out.
What's recoverable, what isn't
- Missed Rawdah slot: rebook in Nusuk. Slots open daily; you may get one for tomorrow.
- Missed stoning window: see Have a doubt — the four schools have provisions for delayed stoning, and your group leader can advise on dam (compensation) if needed.
- Missed Hajj tasreeh deadline: not recoverable in the same year. Hajj quota is allocated months in advance through home-country authorities.
- No Hajj tasreeh and arrested: contact your embassy immediately. See Emergency card for embassy numbers.
Saudi permit policy changes from year to year. The most current source is always the Nusuk app itself and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's official announcements. This page reflects the framework as of Hajj 1447 (2026); confirm specifics with your Hajj agent.